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Kid Rock hits back at activists over concert cancellation demands

A civil rights organization said are demanding the cancellation of concerts by Kid Rock at a new sports arena in Detroit, saying his criticism of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick was a "dog whistle" to white supremacist groups. (Terry Renna/AP Photo/Files)

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Kid Rock has hit back at anti-racism activists demanding the cancellation of his upcoming Detroit concerts.

The Bawitdaba singer, 46, angered civil rights activists by delivering a fiery political speech onstage at a concert in Grand Rapids, Mich. last Wednesday.

The rocker, real name Robert Ritchie, halted his gig to deliver an expletive-laden speech denouncing political correctness and NFL star Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the U.S. national anthem to protest racial inequality.

In the wake of the speech, activists from Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network’s Detroit chapter demanded the cancellation of Kid Rock’s six upcoming concerts at the city’s Little Caesars Arena and promised to protest outside the shows.

He wrote, “Pretty funny how scared I have them all and their only agenda is to try and label people / me racist who do not agree or cower to them!! No one had a word to say when we sold out the 6 shows at LCA (Little Caesars Arena) back in January (17)!

“My track record in Detroit and Michigan speaks for itself, and I would dare anyone talking trash to put theirs up against mine. I am also a homeowner and taxpayer in the city of Detroit, so suck on that too!”

He added, “I am the bonified (sic) KING OF DETROIT LOVE and it makes me smile down deep that you haters know that! Your jealousy is merely a reflection of disgust for your own failures and lack of positive ideas for our city.”

In his post, the musician also denounced criticism of his use of Confederate iconography and claimed his critics were motivated by his planned run for one of Michigan’s U.S. Senate seats.

Kid Rock’s gigs are still scheduled to go ahead and run from Tuesday until Sept. 20.